VIJAYAWADA: The South India Motor Transport Association is planning to launch a strike on August 18, demanding a solution to their long-pending problems. In addition to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, truckers from Maharastra have also decided to take part and the stir is likely to hit goods transport.Speaking to Express, Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association general secretary, YV Eeswara Rao demanded action against private operators collecting exorbitant toll rates. Other demands include decreasing sales tax on diesel, reducing tyre prices and increasing third-party insurance cover on trucks.“While toll gates operated by the National Highways Authority of India are collecting proper toll tax, many private companies are collecting exorbitant rates. According to guidelines, one can purchase a two-way ticket from any toll gate and travel any number of times within 24 hours. But no private toll operator was following them and vehicle-owners were forced to purchase a ticket each time they pass through a toll gate,” said Eeswara Rao. He added the Union government should frame a policy to collect uniform toll tax in the country.Further, Rao said various states charged different sales tax on diesel which was an additional burden whenever fuel prices went up.
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